THE POPULAR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLE PROPHECY

BABYLON Part III

BABYLON IN REVELATION

Several theories exist about the identity of Babylon in the book of Revelation. Some scholars believe “Babylon” is a code word for Rome. A few ( mostly preterist interpreters ) assign the title to first century Jerusalem. Others commentators see John’s use of “Babylon” as a metaphor for a worldwide system of evil. However, many Old Testament prophecies about the literal city of Babylon are not yet fulfilled. The present authors believe that in the coming Tribulation period, the Antichrist will rule the world from his headquarters in the literal, rebuilt city of Babylon on the Euphrates River in modern day Iraq.

OLD TESTAMENT PREDICTIONS

Isaiah 13 – 14 and Jeremiah 50 – 51 depict Babylon’s destruction. Although Babylon fell to the Medo – Persia Empire ( Daniel 5:31 ) in 539 B.C., Babylon’s historic fall does not match the Cataclysmic language found in Isaiah and Jeremiah. For these prophecies to be accurately fulfilled, Babylon must be revived so that it can be destroyed again according to the specific details given by Isaiah and Jeremiah. Zechariah 5:5 – 11 teaches that in God’s providence, mankind’s wickedness, commerce, and religion will once again return to the land of Babylon. Because Babylon had already fallen (539 B.C.) by the time this prophecy was given ( 519 B.C. ), Zechariah’s vision appears to predict a futuristic, rebuilt Babylon. Revelation 17-18 records the circumstances by which this vision will be fulfilled.

REVELATION 17 – 18

Revelation 17 features a woman with a title inscribed on her forehead, which reads, “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of Harlots and of the Abomination of the Earth” ( Revelation 17:5 ). Of Revelation’s 404 verses, 278 allude to the Old Testament. When the old testament uses the word Babylon,” thereference is always to literal Babylon. The same is likely true for Revelation. Human History will eventually cycle back to where it began. In the same region where the first world empire led mankind into a universal political and religious revolt against God, the Future Antichrist will also lead the last collective revolt before Christ returns. However, “the lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings” ( Revelation 17:14 ). The political and economic world authorities will mourn for Babylon ( 18:9,11), but God will receive praise as the faithful cry out, “Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!” ( 19:11 ). —– ANDY WOODS AND TIM LAHAYE

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dyer, Charles H. The Rise of Babylon. Rev. ed. Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2003.

Garland, Tony. “Revelation Commentary” Accessed online at www.spiritualtruth.org on March 1, 2004.

Hitchcock, Mark. The second coming of Babylon. Sisters, OR: Multnomah Publisher, 2003

Pink, Arthur. The Antichrist. Swengel, PA: I.C. Herendeen, 1923.

Thomas, Robert L. Revelation 8 – 22: An Exegetical commentary, Chicago: Moody Press. 1992.

Walvoord, John F. “Revelation.” In the Bible Knowledge Commentary, eds. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck. 2 vols. Colorado Springs, Co: Chariot Victor Publishing 1983.